I have an old T/C ball and cap that seems to have a wore out barrel. I got the gun from my Dad, it had been hanging on the wall for 30 years and not shot. The barrel was FULL of rust. I cleaned it as good as I could. It shot really well with T/C Maxiball's. However now it seems as though the middle of the barrel is a larger diameter than the breech or the end. When i load the gun the conical is a little hard to start, like it should. but midbarrel the conical just drops down till just before the breech plug.
I am sure it is not the conical, I made them myself and they all measure out the same diameter. The gun still shots good however it is very easy to unseat the bullet from the powder. For shooting at the range thats ok but in a hunting situation that could cause some trouble.
I am a little worried about gases getting around the bullet while shooting it and cause a problem. I asked a local muzzzeloader shop about it. He said to start shooting roundballs from it. Is the ball and patch the way to go with the old girl or should I try find a larger diameter maxi-ball mold?
Well if your worried about the maxiball coming off the charge then you do have some valid concerns. You could try a patch and ball and see how it does. Or be extra careful when you hunt with a maxiball and check your load often.
If your worried about escaping gas, then use a wad between the powder and the maxiball.
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ive got a cabelas hawken like that and your concern out the bullet coming off the charge is exactly what i worried about and experienced in the field. Get it fixed!
I have always use a button patch between the maxi and the powder. Once the gun has been loaded all it take is to tap the barrel on a piece of wood or something soft to knock the maxi all the way back to the end of the muzzel. I have tried to find a maxi mold in a larger diameter, but have not been albe to find one.
I have not tried to shoot it with a fouled barrel though, that might help while hunting. I guess I would just have to work up a fouled barrel load and see where the gun hits when shooting it like that.
That's what I'm saying MD 54. I know T/C would probable warranty the barrel, however it is not there fault for the rust. I would spend the money on a new barrel for the gun, but the damm thing has always broke the sear spring about every four shots. I think I have that problem fixed but only time will tell.
If you've got some Lee's Liquid Alox, try giving the maxis a couple of coats of that. Even when dry it has a bit of a sticky grip and may do the trick.
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What is a good alterative to the T/C Maxi-ball. the really seems to like conicals, I belive it has a 1 in 28 twist barrel on it. I know T/C used to make bullet molds in larger sizes than the standard 502 diameter, like a 504, 507,or 512, but they are HARD to come by these days. I'm looking fo r a good deer, elk conical that I can use here in Colorado.
wore out barrel
